Part 4 of Deliverable 2.1 "Multi-scale framework and indicators of hydromorphological processes and forms" provides four partial applications of the framework described in Part 1 to case study catchments (River Tweed, UK; River Loire, France; River Tagliamento, Italy; Rivers Lech and Lafnitz, Austria). These case studies are mainly confined to the delineation and characterisation phases of the framework, but they incorporate additional environmental settings to the complete case studies provided in Part 3.

Background and Introduction to Deliverable 2.1.

Work Package 2 of REFORM focuses on hydromorphological and ecological processes and interactions within river systems with a particular emphasis on naturally functioning systems. It provides a context for research on the impacts of hydromorphological changes in Work Package 3 and for assessments of the effects of river restoration in Work Package 4.

Deliverable 2.1 of Work Package 2 proposes a hierarchical framework to support river managers in exploring the causes of hydromorphological management problems and devising sustainable solutions. The deliverable has four parts. Part 1 provides a full description of the hierarchical framework and describes ways in which each element of it can be applied to European rivers and their catchments. Part 2 includes thematic annexes which provide more detailed information on some specific aspects of the framework described in Part 1. Part 3 includes catchment case studies which present the application of the entire framework described in Part 1 to a set of European catchments located in different biogeographical zones. Part 4 (this volume) includes catchment case studies which present a partial application of the framework described in Part 1 to a further set of European catchments.